HELLO.

Welcome to Western Riverina Arts - a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to develop, support and promote the arts and culture in Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera & Murrumbidgee. We hope you enjoy your stay!

Jan 24 Annual John Fries Award - Now OPEN!

Entries have opened for the 8th annual John Fries Award for early-career artists from Australia and New Zealand, which provides $10,000 in prize money for the winning artist and $1,000 for each award finalist participating in the exhibition.

The non-acquisitive award has established itself as one of the most highly coveted prizes for early-career artists working in any medium – from painting to conceptual art, performance to photography.

2017 John Fries Award curator and judge, Consuelo Cavaniglia, says the Award places early-career artists in the spotlight, supporting the advancement of their career and promoting a wide variety of artistic practices.

“The John Fries Award showcases the work of some of the most exciting and experimental work in contemporary art across Australia and New Zealand and I’m eager to see the scope and calibre of the work of this year’s entrants.”

“This award is a unique opportunity to connect with the next generation of artistic talent and for audiences to experience new and experimental artworks” says Consuelo.

“The $1,000 artist fee for all finalists acknowledges the effort that comes with producing works of a high standard and encourages the development of more ambitious artwork.”

The winner will be announced at a gala exhibition opening on 10 August. The exhibition will run from 11 August to 2 September at UNSW Galleries in Sydney, the award’s presenting partner for the fourth year running.

The award’s prize money has been donated by the Fries family in memory of former Viscopy director and honorary treasurer, John Fries, who made a remarkable contribution to the life and success of Viscopy.

ENTRY INFORMATION

Entries will be accepted from now until 5pm (AEDT) on Monday, 27 February 2017. Entry to the award costs $35 AUD. The entry fee is directly used to support the Finalists’ artists’ fees.

Entrants are required to submit a portfolio of five works created over the past three years, which demonstrate their commitment to developing their artistic practice.